Benedict XVI Latest News

Read the latest news regarding the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, his life, and his legacy.

The Latest

Benedict XVI.

A refreshed Benedict XVI captivates students with homily

Aug 26, 2014

By Elise Harris

Participants in the annual Ratzinger “schulerkreis” study group were overjoyed at seeing the retired pontiff in good health, noting that... Read more

  Pope Francis and Archbishop Georg Ganswein in St. Peter's Square after the Wednesday general audience, May 7, 2014.

Pope Francis visits Benedict XVI before trips, archbishop reveals

Aug 18, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Before any international trip Pope Francis visits Benedict XVI, a key Vatican archbishop revealed, noting the good relations between the... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, April 18, 2012.

Benedict XVI to concelebrate at canonization Mass

Apr 26, 2014

The Holy See’s press office has announced that retired pontiff Benedict XVI will be a concelebrant at Sunday’s Mass and... Read more

Benedict XVI. Photo

Benedict XVI: I knew during his life that John Paul II was a saint

Apr 23, 2014

In a rare interview, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recalled his close friendship with Blessed John Paul II, saying that the... Read more

Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

Benedict XVI sends Pope commentary on early interview

Mar 18, 2014

Former Pope Benedict XVI sent a four-page commentary to Pope Francis on the September 2013 interview he granted to Jesuit... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica during the consistory of cardinals Nov 24, 2012.

In rare interview, Benedict XVI recalls life of John Paul II

Mar 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

In lengthy excerpts of an interview published in an Italian newspaper, Benedict XVI speaks of his time collaborating with John... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI greets participants at the Feb. 22 Consistory in St. Peter's Basilica, Feb. 22, 2014.

Benedict XVI affirms validity of his resignation

Feb 26, 2014

Today the Italian newspaper La Stampa has published excerpts of a letter from Benedict XVI, who wrote to affirm the... Read more

Pope Francis embraces a new cardinal at the Feb. 22 consistory, February 22, 2014.

'The Church needs your courage,' Pope tells new cardinals

Feb 22, 2014

During the Saturday morning consistory at which Pope Francis created 19 new Cardinals, he urged the prelates gathered in St.... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI speaks during his wednesday general audience in Paul VI Hall.

Benedict's brother says former Pope does not regret resigning

Feb 12, 2014

In a recent interview, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger said his brother, retired Pope Benedict XVI, believes he made the right decision... Read more

St. Peter's Square

Vatican analyst explores continuity of Francis, Benedict in book

Feb 12, 2014

By Elise Harris

Andrea Gagliarducci has co-authored a new book recalling the period of Lent between Benedict XVI’s resignation and Pope Francis’ election,... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI at the Wednesday general audience on Oct. 24, 2012.

Translator predicts Benedict XVI's legacy as a great teacher

Feb 11, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

A former translator of Benedict XVI has predicted that the retired pontiff’s legacy will only grow, given the “wonderful freshness”... Read more

 Giovanna Chirri speaks with CNA during a Feb. 10, 2014 interview in Rome.

Journalist who broke news of resignation recalls her 'panic'

Feb 11, 2014

Vatican journalist Giovanna Chirri remembers her shock at Benedict XVI's resignation last year, and how she broke the news before... Read more

Pope Francis launches tweet to pray for Benedict XVI

Feb 11, 2014

By Elise Harris

On the one year anniversary of Benedict XVI’s announcement of his decision to resign from the Petrine ministry, Pope Francis... Read more

Pope Francis welcomes Benedict XVI back to the Vatican at Mater Ecclesia monastery on May 2, 2013

Cardinal recalls shock of Benedict XVI's resignation

Feb 10, 2014

By Elise Harris

One year later, Cardinal James Stafford reflects on the meeting where Benedict XVI announced that he was stepping down as... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi

Vatican: Rolling Stone article a display of 'superficial journalism'

Jan 30, 2014

By Elise Harris

Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has strongly criticized the tone of “crudeness” directed to Benedict XVI in a recent article... Read more

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

St. Therese devotees to launch Little Way social media campaign

Jan 25, 2014

Not long before he resigned, Pope Benedict XVI had written several times about the need for evangelization of the rapidly... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI celebrates brother's 90th birthday with day of music

Jan 17, 2014

Retired pontiff Benedict XVI celebrated his brother Monsignor Georg Ratzinger's 90th birthday on Jan. 15 at the Vatican with a... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

Francis and Benedict linked in call for joyful priests

Dec 3, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

At a presentation of a work by Benedict XVI on the priesthood, the head of the Vatican's doctrine office said... Read more

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. (File photo/CNA).

Denver archbishop: Year of Faith was a time 'to meet Jesus'

Nov 24, 2013

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver says the end of the Year of Faith should encourage Catholics to continue to... Read more

Philosopher Remi Brague speaks with CNA on Oct. 25, 2013.

Friend says Benedict XVI's legacy marked by faith, reason link

Oct 30, 2013

By Elise Harris

A noted French philosopher and friend of retired pontiff Benedict XVI reflected that the former Pope's greatest contribution during his... Read more